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Mohamed Salah “seems a bit sloppy” and has been “off it” of late for Liverpool, says former Reds midfielder Don Hutchison, with the Egyptian forward accused of 'upsetting the flow' for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Salah has been a talismanic presence for the Reds throughout much of his time at Anfield.

His stunning exploits on Merseyside have earned him a standing among the global elite, with his value to the cause without question. 

He has scored 110 goals in 175 appearances for Liverpool, helping the Reds to the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and Premier League title honours.

Klopp’s men are back on the trophy hunt this season, but did drop points in back-to-back outings against West Brom and Newcastle during the festive period.

Salah drew a blank in each of those contests, with some big chances going begging for him and Liverpool as a collective.

The 28-year-old has been hinting that he could take on a new challenge outside of England at some stage in the near future, with a transfer door being left open to La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Hutchison believes renewed speculation is proving to be an unwelcome distraction for Salah, with his recent displays not as productive as Liverpool would expect.

He told Optus Sport on the back of a goalless draw away at Newcastle: “I think he is world class. But he frustrates you when you watch him play, and not just with his finishing.

“It’s the simple things, he doesn’t complete a 10-yard pass, he seems a bit sloppy, bit casual.

“Sometimes he upsets the flow of Liverpool. He can give a ball away and Liverpool have to start again.

“Maybe the noises of Real and Barca may have affected him a little – but he seems off it.”

Salah will get another opportunity to find his groove on Monday when table-topping Liverpool take in a trip to Southampton.

That long journey to the south coast will be made with Klopp’s side sat at the Premier League summit, but with arch-rivals Manchester United having pulled level with them on points.

East Bengal will hope to start the new year with their maiden win of the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) season when they take on Odisha on Sunday.

Both the clubs are yet to win a game so far and are languishing at the bottom half of the league. Pointing out the similarities between the two sides, East Bengal coach Robbie Fowler suggested that his boys are raring to get the elusive win on Sunday.

"They (Odisha) have had tough times, similar to us. At times they played good football. Stuart Baxter is a great manager, his reputation is incredible. He has got a relatively young team with a little bit of experience. We are very similar teams and there are makings of a good game. We have seen any team can beat anyone and it is an opportunity for both sides to come and get those three points on the table. It is a case of who wants more and our lads really want it."

The British manager mentioned that he and his coaching staff have taken all the right steps in developing the squad and also suggested that the team has made a lot of progress since the beginning of the season.

"We have progressed well,' said Fowler. "We all know what happened at the start of the season. We had a squad, we had to build on that. Progressively we got better in every single game. We found it difficult because we were playing catch up. We were trying to train but in between games it was hard to train the players in what we wanted them to do with the games coming thick and fast. It was a case of more the matches we played the better we would become and fitter.

"The lads have done really well in the last couple of weeks. There are lots and lots of positives. We have not won yet but we have lost just one in four. We are taking the right steps and every step taken is for the benefit of the club."

On the very first day of the January transfer window, the Red and Golds announced the arrival of former Wolverhampton forward Bright Enobakhare as their seventh foreigner. The Liverpool great was all praise for the 22-year-old Nigerian footballer and suggested that the newcomer will perfectly blend into the squad. 

"We have been looking for the seventh foreigner for a long time now. It is tough getting players in because of the quarantine and isolation. Bright was on board straight away. We had a perfect conversation and he understood everything that he needs to do. He is a clever and intelligent player. I wouldn't say that he is our architectural number nine who will grab a load of goals but he is a player who can open up defences. He has got quick feet and he will add a lot to this squad.

"He is a young lad who is coming into this league and that is a scoop. We see foreign players coming to this league and rightly or wrongly people think that they are coming at the end of their career. People will always come with the aspiration of doing well but when you get someone like Bright with his age then it is a perfect fit."

The East Bengal manager also suggested that with the arrival of the seventh overseas player, he will now have a selection headache something every coach aspires to have in order to churn out good results.

"We wanted seven foreign players to come in and make things a little bit difficult for me. I have decisions to make now whereas in the past six, seven games I did not have a decision to make. Now it is a headache but it is a healthy headache. As a manager, you should have all good players on the pitch," said Fowler.

The Football Association showed “ignorance and error” in handing out a fine and ban to Manchester United forward Edinson Cavani over alleged racism, according to a group of Spanish language experts.

Cavani was banned for three games and fined £100,000 after making an Instagram post using the word ‘negrito’.

The Uruguay international accepted the disciplinary measures but said his conscience was clear as, from his point of view, the word was a term of affection for a friend.

“I want to share with you that I accept the disciplinary sanction knowing that I am foreign to English language customs, but I do not share the point of view," Cavani posted on Instagram.

"I apologise if I offended someone with an expression of affection towards a friend, nothing further was my intention. Those who know me know that my effort is to always seek the simplest joy and friendship!

"I appreciate the countless expressions of support and affection. My heart is at peace because I know that I always expressed myself with affection according to my culture and way of life."

Now, The Uruguayan National Academy of Letters - an association of academics and experts on the use of the Spanish language in Uruguay – have strongly criticised the FA, accusing English football’s governing body of “a serious injustice” against Cavani.

“The National Academy of Letters declares its most energetic rejection of the sanction and warns about the lack of cultural knowledge and linguistics that that FA reveals when reaching such a questionable resolution,” the academy said in a statement.

“The English Football Association has committed a serious injustice with the Uruguayan sportsman ... and has shown its ignorance and error in ruling on the use of language, and in particular Spanish, without noting all its complexities and contexts.

“In the context that it was written, the only value that can be given to ‘negrito’ – and particularly because of the diminutive use – is affection.”

Cavani served the first game of his suspension on Friday evening as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side went level on points with Liverpool at the top of the Premier League thanks to a 2-1 win over Aston Villa.

He will also miss the Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City and the FA Cup third-round tie with Championship side Watford.

Tottenham and West Ham condemned four players after a picture emerged showing them celebrating Christmas together in apparent contravention of coronavirus restrictions.

An image being widely shared on social media shows Erik Lamela, Sergio Reguilon and Giovani Lo Celso together at a party along with Hammers midfielder Manuel Lanzini.

London is currently operating under tier four of the UK government’s coronavirus restrictions, which bans anyone from mixing with people outside of their own household in an attempt to surpress the spread of the virus.

A Tottenham statement read: “We are extremely disappointed and strongly condemn this image showing some of our players with family and friends together at Christmas particularly as we know the sacrifices everybody around the country made to stay safe over the festive period.

“The rules are clear, there are no exceptions, and we regularly remind all our players and staff about the latest protocols and their responsibilities to adhere and set an example. The matter will be dealt with internally."

Lamela was not involved in the matchday squad for Saturday’s game against Leeds, with Reguilon dropped to the bench and replaced by Ben Davies. Argentine Lo Celso is currently sidelined with a thigh injury.

Lanzini meanwhile played in all three of West Ham’s games over the Christmas period, against Brighton, Southampton and Everton.

A Hammers statement read: “The club has set the highest possible standards with its protocols and measures relating to Covid-19 so we are disappointed to learn of Manuel Lanzini’s actions.

“The matter has been dealt with internally and Manuel has been strongly reminded of his responsibilities.”

The incident comes as the UK grapples with a surge in coronavirus cases which is in part down to a new, more infectious strain of the disease.

The government tightened restrictions just before Christmas, which meant all Premier League matches have to be played behind closed doors again after some clubs were allowed to have up to 2,000 supporters attend stadiums.

Four Premier League matches have been called off over the last month after an outbreak of cases.

Aston Villa’s trip to Newcastle was postponed at the start of the month before Everton versus Manchester City and Fulham against Tottenham were called off at short notice last week. Fulham's game against Burnley on Sunday is also off following an outbreak among the Cottagers squad.

Serie A side Napoli will fine Victor Osimhen after details emerged on how he possibly tested positive for coronavirus, according to reports.

The forward was made to take the Covid-19 test after his trip to Lagos, where he has gone to celebrate the yuletide season.

The result of the test came out positive and the Nigeria international has been isolated in his house in Italy as he recovers from the virus.

The centre-forward will now miss Napoli’s first match of 2021, against Cagliari in Sunday’s Serie A game at Sardegna Arena.

Details of how the attacker, who turned 22 on Tuesday, possibly contracted Covid-19 have emerged as videos of his birthday party surfaced on social media.

The forward did not keep to the Covid-19 rules during the party along with his supporters and well-wishers, who flooded the occasion.

The Napoli authorities and manager Gennaro Gattuso are angry with the carelessness of the forward and he could be handed a hefty fine according to Corriere del Mezzogiorno.

Osimhen has only made eight appearances for the Parthenopeans, scoring two goals, since his summer record signing from French side Lille due to injury and suspension.

Besides missing the Cagliari clash, Osimhen could also miss Napoli's league games against Udinese and Spezia, and their Italian Cup tie against Empoli.

The forward is yet to feature for the club since suffering a shoulder injury on international duty with Nigeria against Sierra Leone during the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in November.

The Super Eagles forward earned a move to Napoli following his eye-catching performances for Lille during his one-year stay.

The attacker scored 13 league goals for the Great Danes, amid other dazzling showings to generate interest from a number of European clubs, before settling for the Parthenopeans.

Osimhen burst into the limelight at the 2015 U17 World Cup, where he emerged as the top-scorer to help Nigeria clinch the title.

He subsequently teamed up with German side Wolfsburg before moving to Belgium to feature for Sporting Charleroi.

The attacker will hope to pacify Napoli with his impressive performances when he overcomes his coronavirus problems.

AS Kigali head coach Eric Nshimiyimana has named his travelling party to face Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA FC) for their Caf Confederation Cup encounter.

The second leg of the first-round game will be held at St Mary's Stadium, Kitende on January 6 as the Rwandan side enjoy a 2-0 advantage which they earned without kicking a ball.

KCCA failed to raise a minimum number of players for the match after 12 of their squad members tested positive for the coronavirus.

Nshimiyimana, who has coached AS Kigali in the last six seasons, led them to this stage of the competition after seeing off Orapa United in the preliminary round.

The Rwandan giants lost 2-1 in Botswana before they picked up a decisive 1-0 victory at home. They had played just one game in the Premier League against Mukura Victory, which they won 2-0, before the competition was suspended by the government on December 12.

The Rwandan state took the move to suspend the competition due to the rising number of coronavirus positive cases within the football family. AS Kigali will be facing KCCA after they were knocked out by Proline FC in last season's competition.

KCCA will host AS Kigali at Vipers SC’s home ground and not at their own turf located in Lugogo.

“After an inspection of stadiums in Uganda, Caf notified KCCA that Omondi Stadium, in Lugogo was not eligible to host this edition’s Caf games,” KCCA announced on Saturday.

“Caf accredited St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende and deemed it fit to host Caf games. KCCA then hired St Mary’s Stadium Kitende for the return leg game against AS Kigali that will be played on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at 16:00 EAT.

“Late 2020, KCCA Stadium plans were approved by authorities and the club hopes to start construction of a modern, start of the art stadium early 2021.”

AS Kigali’s squad:

Eric Nsabimana, Rachidi Kalisa, Tumaini Ntamuhanga, Shaban Hussein Tshabalala, Muhadjiri Hakizimana, Aboubakar Lawal, Fiston Nkinzingabo, Janvier Benedata, Latif Bishiri, Pierrot Kwizera, Abeddy Biramahire, Alex Ortamal, Mossi Rurangwa, Chris Rugero, Bosco Kayitaba, Felix Ndekwe, Eric Ndayishimiye, Sudi Abdallah, Bate Shamiru, Hassan Rugirayabo, Christian Ishimwe, Hassan Karera, Emery Bayisenge.

Stoke City manager Michael O'Neill has confirmed John Obi Mikel is in contention for their Championship clash against Bournemouth on Saturday night.

The former Nigeria international suffered a calf injury in Stoke’s draw against Sheffield Wednesday on November 28.

The midfielder subsequently missed his side’s next eight games before returning to action against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, where he made a cameo appearance.

O'Neill revealed the 33-year-old midfielder will be available for selection when they take on the Cherries at Bet365 Stadium.

“John Obi Mikel and Sam Clucas came off the bench on Tuesday so they will come back into contention,” O'Neill told the club website.

“It’s just a case of how many minutes and where they are physically in terms of being ready to return.”

Mikel teamed up with the Potters in the summer after parting ways with Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor on mutual agreement.

The midfielder has been delivering fine performances for Stoke City since his arrival, featuring in 16 games across all competitions and bagging an assist.

The 33-year-old has captained the Bet365 Stadium outfit a number of times this season and has helped them secure impressive results.

His consistent showings helped Stoke to their current seventh spot on the league table after gathering 35 points from 22 games.

The former Super Eagles captain made his name during his time with Premier League giants Chelsea, where he spent 11 years.

Mikel helped the Blues to win a number of trophies including the Champions League, Europa League, Premier League and FA Cup.

The midfielder has also featured for Chinese side Tianjin TEDA and Championship club Middlesbrough since leaving Chelsea.

Mikel has previously spoken of his intention to help Stoke return to the Premier League at the end of the current campaign.

Simba SC custodian Aishi Manula is confident they will progress to the next stage of the Caf Champions League at the expense of FC Platinum.

In the first meeting between the two sides, the Platinum Miners picked up a vital win after Perfect Chikwende scored the all-important goal in the 17th minute to give his side a slight advantage at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.

Despite trailing against the Zimbabwean champions, the Taifa Stars custodian is confident the result is reversible and it will not be an obstacle for them to qualify when the two sides clash at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Wednesday, January 6.

“First of all, I know everyone knows we are trailing 1-0 so far, but obviously we still have a great chance of qualifying for the group stage by making sure we win our rematch which we will play at home here in Dar es Salaam,” Manula said as quoted by Sokalabongo.

“I believe the good results in our last two games have boosted our morale to win the game, and through the support of our fans and football stakeholders in the country we will qualify and go to the group stage.”

In a previous interview, Simba coach Sven Vandenbroeck said he was gutted to lose the away game but remained confident they can still turn the tables during the return leg meeting.

“I’m not happy with the results because we didn’t deserve to lose, we dominated the game especially in the first half but we didn’t have focus whilst attacking,” Vandenbroeck told the club’s social media pages after the game.

“They managed to score and now we have to be careful when we meet in the return leg.”

The 21-time champions came into the match hoping to get at least a draw and stand a good chance of winning the second leg at home, having qualified for the second round after a 1-0 aggregate win over Plateau United of Nigeria.

On the other hand, Platinum made it to the next round after a 4-1 aggregate win after eliminating Costa De Sol of Mozambique, winning the first leg played in Maputo 2-1 before claiming a 2-0 win in the return leg played in Harare.

On Wednesday, Simba sent a warning to Platinum after demolishing Ihefu FC 4-0 in a one-sided Mainland Premier League contest, with the goals coming from Mohamed Hussein, Meddie Kagere (two), and Chris Mugalu.

Last season, Simba failed to make it past the preliminary stage after losing on the away goal rule to UD Songo of Mozambique. The two sides had battled to a 0-0 draw in Mozambique and in the return leg played in Dar es Salaam, it ended 1-1 meaning Songo advanced on the away goal rule.

Gor Mahia players have once again threatened to boycott the second leg of their second preliminary round of the Caf Champions League game against CR Belouizdad if their dues are not settled.

The Kenyan champions are scheduled to host the Algerian giants on Wednesday, January 6 at Nyayo Stadium. However, things are not well at K'Ogalo and senior players have opted to stay away from training ahead of the game.

"The situation is not good at all, players have opted to stay at home in protest for their money," a senior source at the club told Goal.

"On Saturday, players were to report in training but a few fringe ones turned up. Remember, also current caretaker coach [Patrick] Odhiambo is also in his rural home with the family.

"If nothing is done, I doubt whether the Wednesday game will be played, or even if it will be played, results might be worse or close to the 6-0 loss suffered in the first leg."

Goal was unable to get an official club comment from chairman Ambrose Rachier, who is currently out of Nairobi.

In the first leg, the Great Chabab scored their goals through Amir Sayoud, who scored a hat-trick, Hamza Bellahouel, Larbi Tabti, and Maecky Ngombo during a thoroughly one-sided display at the Stade du 5 Juillet 1962 on Saturday, December 26. 

Despite struggling away, Sammy Omollo, who came in as a stand-in coach for the Kenyan champions, explained why K'Ogalo players deserve respect notwithstanding the humiliating loss.

"If it was any other team, believe me, they could have suffered more goals," Omollo told Goal.

"These players are very strong; they came into the match and struggled to get into the match. They had not trained at all and were really under difficult circumstances coming into the game.

"They gave their best against a very good and organised team and their fight on the pitch was evident. They deserve respect."

Meanwhile, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) released the fixtures which will resume the Premier League in the New Year. Gor Mahia's game against AFC Leopards in the derby is the only affected match. 

According to the new list of fixtures obtained by Goal, the Mashemeji derby, which was due to be played on January 3 at Nyayo Stadium, has been postponed but no new date was given for the clash.

Reports that Premier League clubs discussed pausing the season because of a rise in coronavirus cases are “complete nonsense”, says West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady.

The UK government has imposed tighter restrictions on public life in an attempt to curb a surge in Covid-19 cases, driven by a new, more infectious variant of the virus.

The Premier League already has strict health and safety measures in place but that has not been able to prevent an increase in positive cases at clubs, with three matches having to be called off last month.

Aston Villa’s trip to Newcastle was postponed at the start of December before Everton versus Manchester City and Fulham against Tottenham were called off at short notice last week.

With teams playing so many matches within a short space of time there are fears the virus could spread rapidly between clubs, sparking rumours in the media that a possible ‘circuit breaker’ - pausing the season for a few weeks in order to bring the virus back under control - could be introduced.

The Premier League has already said it has no plans to pause the season and Brady insists no such proposal has ever been discussed.

"I was confused this week when I read that Premier League clubs were considering a two-week 'circuit breaker' in the season over fears of Covid-19 outbreaks causing chaos,” she wrote in the Sun.

“It was complete nonsense. It has never been discussed or been raised by any club in any of our multiple Premier League meetings and there are no plans to discuss it.

“Our fixture list is already congested and our priority is to finish the season as long as it is safe to do so. And we all think it is safe to do so.

“All clubs have excellent Covid-19 protocols which allow us play our games behind-closed-doors — and our protocols continue to have the full backing of government.

“Some fixtures have been postponed but this is mainly due to the fact that Public Health England are closing down training grounds, which means that while clubs still have the required 14 players to complete the fixture, they have nowhere to meet, train and prepare for the fixture.

“And that’s simply unfair and wrong so, quite rightly, the Premier League have suspended the game, a decision I fully support.”

Brady also dismissed suggestions that Premier League clubs who have rejected the return of the five substitutes rule are putting players’ welfare at risk.

Five substitutes were allowed during the summer restart but a proposal to reintroduce it this campaign has been voted down three times.

That has frustrated a number of Premier League managers, including Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who feels it is putting an unfair burden in players.

West Ham are reportedly one of the clubs who voted against the proposal - but Brady denies it is putting the players' health at risk.

“Those against changing the rules midway through a season were not unconcerned about player welfare, which has been suggested, rather unkindly, and every club who voted against took grave exception to the accusation,” she added.

“Our players are our most important concern, their welfare is our absolute priority. Which is why we voted in favour of increasing seven named subs on the bench to nine named subs.

“The number was moved to five as an emergency measure when spectator-less football was introduced after the lockdown and no one knew where the pandemic was going. Then an accident of nature became a green flag to permanence.

“Some clubs then wanted half a platoon of subs which most suspected was to further the advantages of a large and highly proficient playing staff.”

The late Diego Maradona was a man beloved by his fellow Argentines – and Pope Francis is seemingly no exception.

The Pope recalled his own memories of the 1986 World Cup final, when Argentina beat West Germany while he was studying in Frankfurt.

He told the Gazzetta dello Sport: "I met Diego Armando Maradona during a Match for Peace in 2014: I remember with pleasure everything that Diego did for Scholas Occurrentes, the foundation that takes care of the needy all over the world.

“On the pitch he was a poet, a great champion who gave joy to millions of people, in Argentina as in Naples. He was also a very fragile man.

“I have a personal memory linked to the 1986 World Cup, the one that Argentina won thanks to Maradona. I was in Frankfurt; it was a difficult time for me, I was studying the language and collecting material for my thesis.

“I hadn't been able to see the World Cup final and I only learned the next day of Argentina's victory over Germany, when a Japanese boy wrote 'Viva l'Argentina' on the blackboard during a German lesson.

“I remember it, personally, as the victory of loneliness because I had no one with whom to share the joy of that sporting victory: loneliness makes you feel alone, while what makes joy beautiful is being able to share it.

“When I was told of Maradona's death, I prayed for him and sent the family a rosary with a few personal words of comfort.”

Pope Francis also spoke about his own love of football, from playing with a ball of rags on the streets of Buenos Aires as a child.

"I have a memory, that of the ball of rags, the pelota de trapo: leather was expensive and we were poor, rubber was not yet so common, but it was enough for us - a ball of rags to have fun and almost perform miracles playing in the square near home.

“I was not among the best! Indeed, I was what in Argentina they call a "pata dura", literally ‘hard leg’. That's why they always had me playing in goal.

“But being a goalkeeper was a great school for me. The goalkeeper must be ready to respond to dangers that can come from all sides.”

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League side Sofapaka will welcome defender Michael Bodo for Sunday's league clash against Tusker.

Bodo, according to the club, is fully fit for the match that will be held at Moi International Sports Complex, Kasararani. Sofapaka will be under a new coach, Ken Okoth, who was appointed in order to fill the place that was left by John Baraza.

“Defender Bodo has fully recovered from a nagging thigh injury and should be in contention for Sunday’s match,” the club announced on Saturday.

As Odhiambo, who has already begun training sessions with Batoto ba Mungu, readies to take charge of his first game, he will be forced to do so without Isaac Mitima, who is suffering from a knee injury, Stephen Okola, who will is ruled out by an ankle problem, and midfielder David Simiyu, who is yet to recover from a foot injury.

“Rwandan centre-back Isaac Mitima will yet again miss Tusker clash. The defender, however, has resumed light training and should be fully fit in a week’s time,” Sofapaka added.

“Defender Okola will miss the third match of the season due to an ankle injury. We will miss the services of Simiyu who sustained a foot injury in training.”

When he joined, Odhiambo outlined his ambitions and said he believes the players will help him a great deal in chasing those targets.

“This a big club and the ambitions are so clear that when the president [Elly Kalekwa] talked to me I felt it was a good opportunity to join the club and help achieve their targets,” the former Bandari head coach said.

“The club has a good set of players who are very talented, skilful and of good quality. I believe they are capable of achieving a lot. When the president reached out to me, his desires were so clear for the club and that is winning the title.

“This is what made it easier for me to decide on joining the club.”

Odhiambo came back to serve a club he helped gain promotion in 2008 and won the league as a player in 2009.

Watford manager Xisco Munoz has expressed his satisfaction with the progress Isaac Success is making to return to action.

The centre-forward has been on the sidelines since June after suffering a hamstring injury during a training session.

The Nigeria international has now teamed up with the rest of the Hornets in training ahead of their Championship clash against Swansea City on Saturday.

Munoz revealed the 24-year-old’s return will be gradual as he needed more time to fully recover from his injury.

“He has started training with us, step by step. He needs time but I’m very happy with him because in the last training he was at a good level,” Munoz told the club website.

“But it’s step by step when a player has come in after an injury, so we will see when he’s coming back.”

Success has struggled to establish himself at Vicarage Road since joining the side from Spanish side Granada in 2016 due to his inconsistent form and injury problems.

The Super Eagles forward has only found the back of the net seven times in 49 league appearances for Watford since his arrival at the club.

He has, however, revealed his readiness to improve on his performances for the second tier outfit when he returns from injury.

“It's been tough. It was painful, but it's football and it happens. I'm just trying to work my way back to the squad as I've missed playing with the team,” Success said.

“We need to get back to the Premier League as quickly as possible, so I'm looking forward to getting back and achieving our goals.

“I'm very excited. The last five months have been boring. I've done a lot of work and I know it's going to be an emotional first game back after six months out, but I'm ready for the challenge.

“Sometimes I feel disappointed with myself as I've got the qualities and everything a forward player will need.

“I need to do the right things and wait for my chance. I think I've got lots to offer the team. It's been disappointing not getting the chance [over the years] and being injured a couple of times when it was time for me to explode.

“I just need to keep working as there is so much more to come. It's time for me to deliver for the team and the fans as they have been waiting too long. The wait is now over.”

Watford are fifth on the Championship table after gathering 37 points from 21 games and will hope to secure all three points against Swansea to brighten their hopes of returning to the Premier League at the end of the season.

Tanzania Mainland League team Kinondoni Municipal Council (KMC) FC have confirmed the exit of David Mwasa and Salim Aiyee.

The Kino Boys have released the two in the current short transfer window as they plan to restructure for the second leg of the 2020/21 campaign. The Kinondoni-based charges have officially confirmed the latest developments.

"During this short transfer window, KMC have parted ways with their two players David Mwasa, who has been sold to Mbeya City and Salim Aiyee who has left on a mutual consent," the club confirmed in a statement signed by the club's communications officer Christina Mwagala and obtained by Goal.

"Salim had joined us from Mwadui FC on a two-year contract and had served us for one year and six months. His contract was bound to end in June 2021.

"On the other hand, Mwasa had joined KMC from Lipuli on a two-year deal and had served the team for just six months. His contract was to expire in June 2022.

"KMC wishes to thank the players for their contribution to the team and wishes them the best in their endeavours."

The Kino Boys are currently placed in the 11th position on the Tanzania Mainland League table. They have played 16 games and have won six of them. Three have ended in draws while the remaining seven have ended in losses.

They have managed to score 16 goals and conceded 13, and as a result, they are on 21 points.

On Saturday, January 2, they will be playing Mbeya City, who are currently in the 17th position.

They have won just two of the 17 games they have played this season, drawing seven and losing eight. They have also scored just seven goals and conceded 20 and as a result, they are on 13 points, same as bottom-placed Ihefu who have an inferior goal difference.

Another game that will be played on Saturday is between Ruvu Shooting who will be at home hosting Mtibwa Sugar.

The administrative side are currently placed in the fifth position after collecting 25 points from the 16 games they have played.

They will be playing an unpredictable Sugar Millers, who are 10th with 22 points from 17 games played.